My new normal - Surfing this wave that we call lockdown

Two months have passed since a new way of working became normal. There are signs of things getting back to how they used to be, but we're not there just yet.

Mental Health Awareness Week (18th-24th May) seemed to have even more importance this year as people look for ways to deal with lockdown and the strain it has put on their well-being. During the week, one of our heads of curriculum took to Instagram to share her top tips on how to remain positive and keep motivated. Read her blog below.

Surfing this wave that we call 'lockdown', easy ay? Well, not for everyone...

So we've paddled straight into this working from home and online learning malarky, but I'm well aware that it hasn't been a smooth and straight forward ride for all, especially myself. Having been disastrous at homeschooling my son Stanley and giving in to the temptation to the iPad and let the YouTubers take over, I wholeheartedly threw myself into work mode. That was until one too many Google Hangouts pushed me well off my board and straight into the surf. I was drowning, literally.

Deciding that enough was enough, I needed to share my thoughts and feelings, but how? I have all the social channels, but mainly just my friends and family as followers. During lockdown, I'd set up my curriculum areas onto Instagram (give them a follow @escleweseye_hsc and @esclewessport_pus) with the aim of marketing and promoting all the wonderful courses and the work that my teams do with their students.

It just so happened that as I was rolling around under the crash of this wave that I realised it was Mental Health Awareness week. What better way to share stories, ways to support each other, and get back on that board and continue riding.

Armed with my iPhone, my laptop in the garden, and a beautiful sunny day, I decided to go full steam ahead. I started by putting a question out to the followers, asking what they needed support with, and the responses soon came rolling in.

Now came the hard bit. I had to pluck up the courage and film myself talking and answering these questions. All sorts went through my head about being cringe and cliche, but I started filming. I was a little taken back, to be honest, I didn't think anyone would be watching! I hadn't planned any content; I just gave honest advice and my personal experiences.

Keeping Sane

One of the first questions to roll into my DM's was about 'keeping sane'. I wouldn't say that I'm 'sane' usually, but I could see how lockdown might start to crack me. Personally, the thought of staying in my house 24/7 with a five-year-old and my husband was a big concern. I like my own space - actually I need my own space! I'm not ashamed to say that. Not having my 20-minute commute to and from work to switch off and listen to a book was starting to make me anxious. I love my job and my colleagues, and I get to be 'me' at work. I'm not Mummy, a wife, or friend, I'm just me, and I found myself loosing that.

I decided to take up running again as my gym was closed. I'd joined our Hastings Sport and PUS ESC1900 challenge, and it really helped. Being active is a huge support to your mental health, you don't have to start training for a marathon, but a brisk walk or cycle along the seafront can do wonders and really lifts your mood.

Staying Motivated

Motivation was another key question that was popping up. 'How do I stay motivated?', 'How can I improve my motivation?' and 'How do you motivate yourself?'.

Firstly, and a big one for this is, don't be too hard on yourself (guilty as charged). If you fancy staying in your PJ's and binge-watching Netflix then go for it! However, if this has been your routine throughout lockdown, then you may need a motivation boost. Routine, for me, is key. Not slipping into bad habits, getting up and going to bed at normal-ish times, eating three healthy meals a day and drinking plenty of water.

Secondly, set goals. It sounds a bit cringe, but you need to write them down and hold yourself accountable. I always set a long, medium and short term goal. It's a ladder, complete the short-term, and they underpin the medium-term goals. Complete the medium-term goals, and you're on the home straight. You miss one, and you're straight off that surfboard again. Yes, things don't always go to plan and that sneaky little wave tips you off, but you can adjust them and get back out there. And do you know what? That's okay - life happens!

Alongside goals, I always like to reward myself with something, a nice cold G&T, cinema trip, take away or those new trainers that have been in my ASOS basket for weeks. If that's what motivates you, then great. Try asking yourself - what motivates me?

Managing your workload

Workload seemed like a big stressor for a lot of people too. I had plenty of people asking for tips on how to keep juggling while riding the wave. If you don't know me, then let me tell you that I am the queen of procrastination (ask my office buddy Kate!). I'd much rather clean the office instead of doing 'that big job' blazed in red pen across the whiteboard. Sometimes, I just have to do something else to clear my head. My workload can often seem overwhelming, especially when I've done nothing but work on that big job all day. Taking regular breaks and moving away from the computer is key.

The other thing I need in my life is a list - and usually a very nice notebook (often one of my treats!). Without a list, my head feels fuzzy, and the anxiety soon crashes over me. Writing a list will let me set everything out and help me prioritise what I need to do first. Remember, it's prioritising, not procrastinating!

If you have fallen off that surfboard, the first step is getting back on - which is often the hardest part. Putting work, assignments, speaking with friends, seeking guidance, or supporting yourself with your mental health at the bottom of your list isn't going to help long term. Once you're back on top of those waves, there will be no stopping you. There are lots of resources available through our well-being team and hundreds more online to support you with any mental health concerns you have. It isn't one size fits all, and often you've got to try some before you find out what works for you. Here are some of my favourites:

Podcasts:- Happy Place by Fern Cotton, GABA meditation - Apps:- Calm, Headspace, Couch to 5k, - YouTube:- Yoga with Adriene, Meditation Vacation - Instagram:- @meditation-and_mindfulness @believeperform

Enjoy, stay safe and look after yourselves!

H x